With Wimbledon over, and Iga Swiatek the new ladies’ champion, attention will now swiftly turn to the next Grand Slam starting in a month’s time.

After all, the tennis season is relentless, and there is only ever a brief period to revel in one’s success before the next tournament begins.

Preparation for the US Open is already underway, and as the next few weeks go by, that will only ramp up with events in Cincinnati, Washington and Toronto.

However, New York is where the real prize lies, and that is what the players will want to be in perfect shape for.

With that in mind, Rick Macci, famed for the formative development of both Serena and Venus Williams, has already given his pick to win the entire event on the women’s side.

Serena Williams’ former coach makes his WTA prediction for the US Open

Taking to X, he was upfront about who he genuinely felt had the best chance of winning the US Open.

And, rather surprisingly, it was neither the defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, nor was it Coco Gauff, the top-ranked American who won the event in 2023.

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Instead, Macci has opted for one of the fastest-growing stars in the women’s sport, naming Mirra Andreeva as his shock favourite to go all the way.

It has been a great year for the Russian teenager, who only seems to be going from strength to strength.

And, on the hard courts of New York, she could definitely thrive given her penchant for big wins against top opponents on this surface.

Especially after Tracy Austin offered Andreeva career advice mid-way through her Wimbledon run, which can only help her cause.

How has Mirra Andreeva performed at the US Open in the past?

Historically, the US Open has not been an easy event for Andreeva to navigate, which is what might make some question this prediction.

After all, there’s no form to indicate such a sudden surge to success.

But, with talent like the 18-year-old’s, perhaps history is irrelevant.

Andreeva has already reached the semi-final of a Grand Slam in Paris and the quarter-finals at Wimbledon this year too.

Mirra Andreeva smiles and wavesPhoto by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Back-to-back runs to the Australian Open fourth round indicate consistent success as well, with her previous two US Open runs ending in just the second round.

However, she has likely never headed to New York in as good form as she currently is, having just reached a career-high of fifth in the world rankings too.

Andreeva might not be the favourite, but she will certainly be in contention to win the US Open.